Staff frustrated by non-green bosses

Almost nine out of ten workers think their employer is not doing as much as they could to limit its environmental impact, according to a survey of 500 Londoners.

The report from car club company Zipcar uncovered a gulf between employer and employee attitudes to the environment with two thirds of businesses claiming recycling paper, cardboard and plastic represents a sufficient environmental while 84 percent of workers insisted their business was not doing as much as it could to help the environment.

Moreover, two thirds of those surveyed said their employers should be spending more money on environmental initiatives. Only one third of London companies were found to have invested in large-scale environmental initiatives, such as procuring energy efficient office equipment or implementing car clubs for staff.

The findings highlight the extent to which businesses can enhance their attractiveness to potential employees by embracing greener business models. " Most businesses are simply not doing enough, they should be setting an example to employees by implementing green initiatives," said Julia Hailes, author of the New Green Consumer Guide. "In fact, green issues could become critical to business success in the future… becoming a factor for recruiting top class workers."

The survey comes a week after Zipcar announced plans to slash starting prices for business customers looking to make use of the company's cars from £7 per hour to £4.50 per hour. The company said that the price is all inclusive, covering the cost of the congestion charge, insurance and MOT, and also helps cut congestion and pollution. Zipcar estimates that each of its cars can take up to 20 privately-owned cars off the road.

"We regularly talk to people in London that are frustrated with the rising cost of taxis and fleet cars, as well as the unreliable nature of public transport and wanted to provide a cost effective solution, which not only enabled people to get around the City, but without the added hassle of paying for fares and filling up on petrol," said Paul Mcloughlin, general manager of Zipcar. "While it is important that steps are put in place to ease congestion, such as the congestion charge, the same focus needs to be given to positive solutions, such as car clubs."